Cambodia 2011

I'm not sure if she was a big sister, baby sitter, or mother, but it was touching watching her take care of this toddler and the others in her care.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

They're all eating some fruit the oldest one helped them pick as they walked along the outskirts of the ruins.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

They're waiting for tourists to pay to pose with them.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Who can resist buying a fresh coconut from a smile like that, especially when it's probably close to 95 degrees with matching humidity?

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A few efficient chops with the machete and the finished product is ready...and delicious. A year later I was lucky enough to return to Angkor Wat, find her, and give her a copy of this photo and a few others. It was one of the highlights of my trip.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Vendors of all kinds of things, here musical instruments, wait near the ruins ready to converge on hapless tourists. It's hard to resist the determined pitches, especially when they come from children who look no older than 7 or 8 years old.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Our TukTuk driver and our guide. A good guide is invaluable in helping make the ruins come alive. Without one, it would be easy to just wander aimlessly around the vast ruins without getting much out of the experience beyond heat stroke.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Monks always add a bit of color.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

It's great to take a break from the heat...

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

...until your co-workers take notice of your shirking!

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Collecting bottles..

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Monks! Quick, take a photo! Yes, monks are the rock stars of Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

And me without my "all access" pass.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Making the perilous descent from a sunset-viewing vantage point. Having scoped out the sole exit, we left way before it got crowded or dark.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Food vendor at a decidedly non-touristy market.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Passing some time with some sort of language game I think as it poured outside.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

People know how to handle the rain, but that doesn't mean they have to like it.